The centre of Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston is currently approaching Tavua and Ba.
We are now getting reports that people in Rakiraki, Tavua, Ba, Lautoka, Nadi and Sigatoka are experiencing destructive hurricane force winds and heavy rain.
It is leaving a massive trail of destruction.
Many houses have been affected by the destructive winds and some areas are now affected by flood waters.
Many residents who we have spoken to say that they have never experienced the effects of such a monster cyclone.
The system is expected to pass through Viti Levu tonight into tomorrow.
There is a hurricane warning between Korovou to Korolevu.
These areas will get winds of upto 320 kilometres per hour tonight into tomorrow morning.
Other parts of Viti Levu including, Suva, Navua and Nausori will continue to experience destructive storm winds and continuous heavy rain as the system passes through Viti Levu.
For these areas, expect winds between 110 kilometres per hour to 155 kilometres per hour tonight into tomorrow.
The monster system is covering a vast area as the gales cover a 350 kilometre diameter.
Close to the centre, the cyclone is estimated to have average winds of 230 kilometres per hour to 325 kilometres per hour.
Please be advised that very destructive winds will begin several hours before and after the cyclone centre passes overhead or nearby.
We have had reports that some people think that they are in the all clear after the centre of the cyclone passed them.
Many people have been caught out by this.
Please stay indoors and do not come out of your houses as the worst is far from over.
People in Vanua Levu are also experiencing very strong winds.
For evacuation operations, you can contact DISMAC Operations on 3313361.
For police matters and assistance you can contact the Police Command and Control Centre on 9905296.
You can also contact us on 3314766 for any information and assistance.
A man from Koro Island died after a house fell on him.
Fijivillage has received confirmation that the elderly man was trying to escape from his house but it was too late.
50 houses have been destroyed in the village of Navaga.
*****
A family of three is in a state of shock after an electric pole fell in-front of their car in Waituri, Nausori in the last hour.
Talei Vinakasigadua says they were returning from Makoi when the incident happened.
She says Nausori is experiencing very strong winds and heavy rain.
We are also getting reports from Koronivia, Lokia, Dilkusha, Waila, Jalim Avenue and Navuso that strong winds and heavy rain has been affecting these areas from this afternoon.
10 families from Veiraisi, Nadera have been forced to take shelter at the Nadera Methodist Church hall after flood waters entered their homes.
A resident from Veiraisi says flood waters from blocked drains have entered their homes.
Three houses have lost their roofs in Muanikoso. The families are moving to an evacuation centre.
*****
A man who badly injured after a corrugated iron sheet from a nearby house hit his leg at Princes Road, is now in hospital.
***
Suva is also expected to experience heavy rain and widespread flash flooding tonight.
Destructive storm force winds continue in Suva, Nausori and Pacific Harbour.
River flooding in Viti Levu is also likely tomorrow.
People living in the low lying coastal areas should take necessary action.
Stay with us as we will bring you continuous weather updates on Tropical Cyclone Winston.
